Updated : 04/22/2024

Overview

Polk County, IA has adopted the 2009 International Codes, with amendments, including the 2009 IRC (for One and Two Family Dwellings) and IBC. Polk County, IA County Codes § 20.2.5 (IRC adoption and amendents) and § 20.2.4 (IBC adoption and amendments).

Helpful resources for Polk County, Iowa include the following.

• Jurisdiction's Information Page(s):
  • Polk County, IA Construction Code
• PLRB, Ordinance and Law Coverage Discussion for Iowa

Residential Building Code

Iowa adopted a model state residential code but it is not in force unless adopted locally.See PLRB, Iowa Building Codes for more information on state level codes.

Polk County adopted the 2009 IRC, locally. Note that adoptions usually come with amendments. So, it is important to review those amendments in addition to the unamended model code.

You can find a copy of the model code here.

You can find information about amendments to the model code here.

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Drip Edge

Drip Edge: no

Ice Barrier

Are ice barriers required for Polk County ? Yes
Citation: § 20.2.5
Municipal Code https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/media/49189/Chapter%2020%20Polk%20County%20Construction%20Code%209-2012.pdf#page=14
Comments:

Table 301.2(1) Climate and Geographic Design Criteria

Ground Snow Load: 30 PSF

Wind Speed MPH: 90

Seismic Design Category: A

Subject to Damaging From:

   Weathering – Severe

   Frost Line Depth – 42"

   Terminte – No

Winter:

   Design Temp – -5 degrees F

   Ice Barrier Req'd – Yes

Flood Hazards: NFIP Adoption – May, 16 1983

Air Freezing Index: 1833

Mean Annual Temp: 48.6

 

 

Government Officials

Comments

.13 Subsection 313.1 Amended- Townhouse Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems. Subsection 313.1 Townhouse automatic fire sprinkler systems, of the IRC, is hereby amended by deleting said subsection and inserting the following in lieu thereof (exception remains unchanged): Subsection 313.1 Townhouse Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems. An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall be installed in townhouses containing more than 12 dwelling units. .14 Subsection 313.2 Amended- One And Two Family Dwellings Automatic Fire Systems. Subsection 313.2 One-and-two-family automatic fire sprinkler systems, of the IRC, is hereby amended by adding the following exception: Subsection 313.2 One-and-two-family automatic fire sprinkler systems exception 2. Dwelling units in which the gross square footage of the dwelling space(s), including all floor levels whether finished or unfinished and all basement areas whether finished or unfinished including attached garage area, does not exceed 8,000 square feet. 

Commercial Building Code

Polk County adopted the 2009 IBC, locally. Note that adoptions usually come with amendments. So, it is important to review those amendments in addition to the unamended model code.

You can find a copy of the code here.You can find information about amendments to the model code here.

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Existing Buildings

Polk County, IA has adopted the 2009 IEBC. Polk County, IA County Code § 20.2.7 (adoption and amendments).

Other Building Codes